Compressible pin assembly having frictionlessly connected contact elements

Abstract

A compressible contact pin. The contact pin includes a first contact element and a second contact element. A compressible member is coupled between the first contact element and the second contact element to compress when one or more external forces are applied between the first contact element and the second contact element. In addition, the compressible member maintains a separation distance between the first and second contact elements when no external forces are applied. An elastomeric connector is coupled between the first contact element and the second contact element. The elastomeric connector electrically couples the first contact element to the second contact element by deforming when the one or more external forces are applied between the first contact element and the second contact element.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A contact pin, comprising:
 a first contact element; 
 a second contact element; 
 a first compressible member coupled between the first contact element and the second contact element to compress when one or more external forces are applied between the first contact element and the second contact element, and to maintain a separation distance between the first and second contact elements when no external forces are applied; and 
 a first elastomeric connector coupled between the first contact element and the second contact element, wherein the first elastomeric connector includes:
 an elastic shield which deforms when one or more external forces are applied between the first contact element and the second contact element; and 
 a plurality of conductive particles, disposed within the elastic shield, to form an electrical connection between the first contact element and the second contact element; 
 
 wherein the plurality of conductive particles compress with one another when the contact pin is compressed. 
 
     
     
       2. The contact pin of  claim 1 , wherein the first elastomeric connector enables the first contact element to remain frictionlessly coupled to the second contact element as the one or more external forces are applied between the first contact element and the second contact element. 
     
     
       3. The contact pin of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of conductive particles are arranged in one or more columns within the elastic shield. 
     
     
       4. The contact pin of  claim 1 , wherein the first compressible member comprises a spring. 
     
     
       5. The contact pin of  claim 1 , wherein the impedance of the first compressible member is greater than the impedance of the first elastomeric connector. 
     
     
       6. The contact pin of  claim 1 , wherein the first elastomeric connector is held between the first and second contact elements by forces exerted on the first and second contact elements. 
     
     
       7. The contact pin of  claim 6 , wherein the forces exerted on the first and second contact elements are provided, at least in part, by tension in the first compressible member. 
     
     
       8. The contact pin of  claim 1 , wherein a base of at least one of the first or second contact elements includes an extended lip to hold the contact pin within a housing. 
     
     
       9. The contact pin of  claim 8 , wherein a diameter of the base of the at least one of the first or second contact elements is wider than a diameter of the first compressible member.